High-speed rail link to BIA: five firms shortlisted

Bangalore: The State Government has shortlisted five companies for the proposed 34-km High Speed Rail Link (HSRL) from Bangalore city to the Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) at Devanahalli at a cost of Rs. 6,900 crore, including land cost.

Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, who chaired a high-level meeting here on Monday, said bids would be opened on August 12 and the letter of award would be issued on September 17. A singing of concession agreement would take place within 30 days from the issue of Letter of Award. The work would commence on the project in February 2011. The project was expected to complete in 33 months.

Of the Rs. 6,900 crore, the State Government would contribute Rs. 532 crore while the Centre is expected to release Rs. 1,040 crore. The State's contribution was mainly towards cost for acquisition of land. A sum of Rs. 175 crore would be spent per km of HSRL. The land required for the project is 65.95 hectares — BBMP land (0.96 hectares), other Government land (12.20 hectares), National Highway Authority of India (8.61 hectares), private lands ( 44.19 hectares).

For the execution of the project, 231 trees would be felled and another 375 trees would be pruned. It would save 15 million litres of fuel a year. It would be integrated with metro and the proposed mono rail, an official said.

The fare would be Rs. 200 from M.G. Road to BIAL, Rs. 150 from Hebbal to BIAL and Rs. 100 from Yelahanka to BIAL, the official said.

The project would assure journey to the BIAL in 25 minutes from the city.